You’re about to take an important step towards a full smile: dental implants. It’s a safe, effective and increasingly commonly chosen procedure for patients who want strong, functional and natural-looking teeth.
But with surgery comes an essential question: “Do I have to take an antibiotic before dental implants?”
The short answer is: in most cases, yes. Not because doctors want to give you extra treatments, but because antibiotics can prevent serious complications such as infection or implant rejection.
Let’s look together at the role of antibiotics in implant dentistry and what you need to know to get through the procedure pain-free and without surprises.
How does your body react during dental implant surgery?
Although it may seem simple, inserting a dental implant is a surgical procedure, albeit a minimally invasive and painless one, especially in the hands of an experienced doctor.
Even if it’s minimally invasive, it involves:
- Inserting an artificial root (usually titanium) into the jawbone.
- Perforation of gum tissues.
- Direct contact with blood and internal environment.
All this can create a gateway for bacteria, and your body reacts immediately to defend itself.
In most cases, if you are healthy and free of risk factors, your immune system can cope.
But if there are factors such as:
- Diabetes,
- Cardiovascular diseases,
- Smoking,
- Poor oral hygiene,
- Other drug treatments,
…then pre-implant antibiotic treatment becomes essential.
Did you know…
- Over 5% of dental implants fail due to postoperative infections, according to data published in the Journal of Oral Implantology?
- But studies show that prophylactic antibiotic treatment reduces the risk by up to 70% in the first 7 days after surgery!
Why do we recommend antibiotics before dental implants?
Is an antibiotic mandatory at implant? Not in all cases, but in most – yes. Here’s when it is clearly recommended:
- if you are having more than one implant inserted at a time;
- if you suffer from chronic conditions (diabetes, autoimmune diseases, immunosuppression);
- if the implant is placed in an area at high risk of infection (e.g. dental debris, old unresolved infections);
- when you’ve had healing problems or postoperative infections in the past.
At INO Dental’s dental implant services in Bucharest, we evaluate each individual case and clearly determine whether antibiotics are needed and which regimen is most appropriate.
What antibiotics are prescribed before dental implants?
Depending on your tolerance, allergies and medical history, the most commonly recommended are:
- Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid (e.g. Augmentin) – broad spectrum, high efficacy;
- Clindamycin – for patients allergic to penicillin;
- Metronidazole – sometimes in combination, for anaerobic infections.
The standard treatment scheme looks like this:
- 1 hour before surgery – 1g antibiotic;
- Then 500mg every 8 hours for 5-7 days.
Side effects of antibiotics – when to worry and when not to worry
Most patients tolerate antibiotics well, especially when accompanied by probiotics. However, they can sometimes occur:
- Nausea, abdominal discomfort or diarrhea;
- Rash, itching;
- In rare cases: severe allergic reactions (difficulty breathing, swelling).
This is why it is very important to inform your implantologist if you have had adverse reactions to antibiotics in the past.
How to administer antibiotics correctly? Basic rules for maximum effectiveness
To have the desired effect, antibiotic treatment before the implant must be carefully administered:
- Don’t stop treatment, even if you feel well.
- Take the antibiotic at the same time every day.
- Avoid alcohol and eating heavy foods.
- Combine with a probiotic (natural yogurt or supplements).
- Don’t take antibiotics without a prescription, only on your doctor’s advice.
- Don’t save leftovers from other treatments for another time – they may become ineffective or dangerous.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is a dental implant possible without antibiotics?
In some cases, yes – but only if the doctor considers the risk low. At INO Dental we evaluate each case and give a personalized opinion. - If I’ve already taken antibiotics recently, do I need more?
Yes, if they are from another spectrum or other reason, it does not provide protection for this procedure. - Can I have an allergic reaction even if I have taken the antibiotic before?
Yes. Allergic reactions may occur even on the second or third administration. Inform your doctor of any suspicious symptoms. - How quickly do implant infections occur?
Generally in the first 7-10 days. This is why the period immediately after surgery is essential.
A small step for today, a big smile for tomorrow
At INO Dental, we specialize in pain-free dental implants and work with an experienced team.
We offer safe, personalized treatments and the role of antibiotics in implant dentistry is discussed openly with each patient.
If you are looking for an implantologist in Bucharest, especially in Sector 1 or 2, we look forward to welcoming you for an evaluation and personalized plan.
📍 Calea Floreasca, Nr 76, Sector 1, Bucharest
📍 Șos Pantelimon, Nr 10, Sector 2, Bucharest
📞 [0721 584 935 | 0770 699 370].
